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Originally Posted by keyshawn
A question that I have for you is:
Was security very tight for Palestinian citizens ? I've heard that it's difficult for citizens there to do everyday errands and travel out and about because they're harrassed and/or held up (in security checkpoints) by Israeli soldiers.
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It depends whether you mean Palestinians with Israeli citizenship or Palestinians in the territories. Security in Israel is tight for everyone, and yes, Arabs/Muslims/Palestinians are particularly scrutinized, but it's generally not at such a level where it really impedes movement.
What you've heard regarding harassment and major difficulties, the kinds of 'security' measures that actually make life unlivable, applies only to Palestinians living in the Territories. In addition to turning people away, certain checkpoints are routinely or sporadically closed altogether. The most important factor is the shape of the wall, which separates towns and villages that were once economically and socially linked by annexing some to Israel and pushing others into what is supposed to become a new Palestinian state. Even within the Palestinian West Bank, the winding route of the wall causes problems: a lot of car trips that should take 5 minutes actually take 20, and trips that should take half an hour take two and a half... things like that.